The urethral crest is an anatomical feature present in the
urinary system
The urinary system, also known as the urinary tract or renal system, consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, bladder, and the urethra. The purpose of the urinary system is to eliminate waste from the body, regulate blood volume and bl ...
of both males and females.
In males, the urethral crest is known as the ''crista urethralis masculinae'', or the ''crista phallica'', and is a longitudinal fold on the posterior wall of the
urethra
The urethra (from Greek οὐρήθρα – ''ourḗthrā'') is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the urinary meatus for the removal of urine from the body of both females and males. In human females and other primates, the urethra con ...
extending from the
uvula of the bladder through the
prostatic urethra
The prostatic urethra, the widest and most dilatable part of the urethra canal, is about 3 cm long.
It runs almost vertically through the prostate from its base to its apex, lying nearer its anterior than its posterior surface; the form of ...
.
It is from 15 to 17 mm. in length, and about 3 mm. in height, and contains muscular and erectile tissue.
When distended, it may serve to prevent the passage of the
semen
Semen, also known as seminal fluid, is an organic bodily fluid created to contain spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads (sexual glands) and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize the female ovum. Semen i ...
backward into the
bladder
The urinary bladder, or simply bladder, is a hollow organ in humans and other vertebrates that stores urine from the kidneys before disposal by urination. In humans the bladder is a distensible organ that sits on the pelvic floor. Urine enters ...
.
In females, it is known as the ''crista urethralis femininae'', and is a conspicuous longitudinal fold of
mucosa
A mucous membrane or mucosa is a membrane that lines various cavities in the body of an organism and covers the surface of internal organs. It consists of one or more layers of epithelial cells overlying a layer of loose connective tissue. It is ...
on the posterior wall of the urethra.
Additional images
File:Prostate - Gray1153.png, Vesiculæ seminales and ampullæ of ductus deferentes, seen from the front
References
External links
* - "The Male Pelvis: Urethral crest"
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Urinary system
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